"I began to feel the calling in high school. That's how I think of it — as a calling. Both my parents are nurses in the area. Becoming a doctor was not pushed upon me. Medicine is just in the family.

"Medicine is a varied career, too. You have to become a lifelong learner. I've always had an interest in economics and political science. I plan to apply my studies to health-policy issues someday."

Why choose UCF?

"I applied to 15 schools. Ohio State, Miami and UCF rose to the top. The free medical education was a definite influence in choosing UCF, but it was not the biggest factor. I was just blown away by how well the program is put together."

On going into the military after finishing medical school:

"It's also a calling, a duty. I just feel I want to give back. It's a great patient population to work with. After that, I'm keeping the doors open."

On chatting with future classmates about a possible project:

"We've tossed around the idea of a student-run clinic. We just want to be able to give something to the community, the people who invested in our future."

Did you get any time for yourself after graduating from UF?

"I spent five weeks hiking across Europe this summer. It was incredible. Madrid, Barcelona, Budapest, Vienna. I stayed in youth hostels."